The Goods UK – 2 October 2024
Welcome back to The Goods UK. This week, we’re chatting pepperoni-scented diffusers, signs in the sky and why you might consider a ‘Great Sleep Split’ for your next holiday.
You’ll likely know that the London tube map inspired travel system plans around the world, but were you aware that its creator Harry Beck was only paid five guineas (£5.25) for the original design? Some 75 years since the map was first printed and distributed in 1933, the design largely remains unaltered.
What’s in: this week’s trends
- Fab ‘n fresh: Food joints are pulling out all the stops to catch the wave of freshers starting university. Domino’s is dishing out lockable pizza safes to fend off greedy housemates who might eat your leftovers, while Pho’son a hangover-healing mission with its free pop-up. Not to be outdone, Papa John has released a pepperoni-scented diffuser because nothing says “let’s be friends” like your room smelling of a pizzeria, right?
- Back to kitsch: All eyes will be on Westfield White City on 18 October as Cath Kidston is set to return to the high street for the first time in four years. The British homeware retailer collapsed into administration in 2020, but was snapped up by Next in a deal reportedly worth £8.5m last year.
- Slogan swag: Say it with me: ‘Should’ve gone to…’ Retail slogans are experiencing a resurgence, proving their worth as memorable marketing tools. Experts suggest that an effective slogan shows off a brand’s identity while promising reliability, value, and an emotional connection. It may be a small thing, but as we all know… Every Little Helps.
Cash or card: shopper behaviour
What’s in and out of our baskets right now? The in-car CD player is as dead as a dodo and we’re all trying to make noodles a bit “posh”.
- Streaming killed the CD star: After four decades, the in-car CD player is officially no more, as the last manufacturer offering one (Subaru) has switched to streaming services. Some might say the move was long overdue: while the total spent on music in the UK increased to £2.2 billion in 2023, the number of CDs sold continued to decline.
- Pot Posh noodles: Sales of packet noodles have soared in recent months, according to Ocado. It’s thought social media users posting how to prepare the products with additional ingredients “to make them fancy” is behind the sudden rise in popularity. While ramen noodles are hogging most of the limelight, classic Pot Noodles sales are also up 10% year on year.
- Bargain hunt: Savvy shoppers are embracing new tech to navigate the chaotic world of online retail. Radar, for example, allows people to track prices across various platforms while Source helps fashionistas find hard-to-find gems. With many Britons watching their wallets more closely, these apps are ensuring that every purchase is a smart one.
- The rise of the DINKs: That’s Dual-Income-No-Kids to you and me. In its latest global travel trends report, Hilton has coined eight new terms for emerging travel behaviours. From the ‘Great Sleep Split’ – couples who book different rooms or beds to get a better night sleep – to going on an ‘Ex-cursion’ after a breakup, there’s one thing we can all agree on: sometimes you need a holiday just to recover from your holiday.
Making moves: industry changes & innovation
ICYMI, even industry icons need to reinvigorate their brand presence through unique and creative ways. Here are some movers and shakers that you should know about:
- Signs in the skies: Virgin Atlantic is stepping up its efforts to help deaf and hard of hearing travellers, pledging that a British Sign Language (BSL) trained crew member will be available on all flights. The news comes as part of wider initiatives including deaf awareness training, onboard hearing loops and additional subtitled in-flight entertainment. With an estimated 150,000 people in the UK using BSL as their primary or preferred language, the move is a further sign of how the travel experience can be made more inclusive for all.
- Move over, Rudolph: Last minute festive gifting just got a whole lot less stressful as Not On The Highstreet and Boots launch partnerships to get thousands of their products delivered to your door in as little as 25 minutes. Rapid-delivery is becoming more and more popular, with the likes of B&Q, Ann Summers, Screwfix, The Perfume Shop and even Iceland all signing on the dotted line with Deliveroo recently.
- Personalised pampering: Luxury department store Selfridges has teamed up with adtech firm Criteo to spruce up its in-store retail media and product discovery experience. The two-year tie up is also the first time ‘sponsored product placement’ will appear on the retailer’s website. Retail media – which allows brands to advertise to customers while they shop – is becoming big business, with sales set to top £22bn by 2026.
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